We can lessen the pressure on businesses to comply with legislation if they can become more resource efficient. Legislation doesn't always work - the resources poured into it and the consistency of its implementation are questionable. Some businesses get hit hard, while others get away with it.

There's a growing case for streamlining regulations into a single, more generic and accessible format. This could be some kind of mandatory environmental management system - much like ISO14001.

Most businesses I speak to think there is too much legislation generally and the environment is no exception. The carrot works better than the stick when it comes to motivation, especially amongst the great majority of smaller businesses.

What is important is to show businesses the benefits of good environmental management: cost savings going straight through to the profit line, developing new products, and accessing bigger and better customers.

Pamela Coulthard, Environmental law expert, Maclay Murray & Spens

YES

The sheer volume of new legislation, combined with Scotland's tendency to over-implement rules from Europe and Westminster, can be overwhelming. This is particularly the case for SMEs, which often lack the resources to keep up.

Rather than deregulation, we need to condense and simplify environmental legislation into a form which promotes understanding and compliance. Scotland can meet its environmental responsibilities without driving businesses south.

Stephen Colliston, Head of planning and environmental law team, Tods Murray

NO

If your competitors around the world are not similarly constrained then it could be hard to accept that the plethora of environmental legislation affecting your business is just.

UK legislation can be difficult to find and interpret due to much of it emanating from Europe. That could justify accusations of it being too diverse for a business to monitor.

That said - due to us being at a global environmental tipping point - we need more, clearer and perhaps consolidated legislation to drive the business world to accept its role.

Neil Amner, Partner, Biggart Baillie

YES

Environmental legislation is customarily formulated by the EU for member states to pass into their domestic laws. The drip-feed nature of this process has resulted in piecemeal legislation, frequently addressing highly technical topics, that can leave the reader confused - even lawyers!

However, it can also be a catalyst for increased efficiency and improved housekeeping - and attracting new customers/ markets such as through positive reputation - both of which are good for profits.

Sandy Manson, Chief executive, Johnston Carmichael

NO

The environment is on everyone's agenda and business is no exception - employees and clients increasingly expect us to include it in our strategic and operating plans.

As businesses, our approach to the environment can be a valuable differentiator in the marketplace but our response must be proportionate to specific circumstances.

As chartered accountants, we are enhancing our environmental policy not only because it is responsible but also because it makes good business sense.

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